claims to have been given "special, revealed knowledge," and is "restoring essential truths"

claims his writings are "absolute truths" or "revelations from God" and heavily distributes them to members

claims he has "answers to all of life's questions" (black and white thinking)

authoritatively teaches members to conform to dietary laws, dress codes, childrearing techniques, dating, marriage, observances of days, and sexual teachings

encourages members to "cut off ties" with friends, family members, co-workers and relatives (isolation)

strictly controls members' finances; coerces them into giving financially 

unites the group by causing them to focus on Satan (and his "lies"), who is seen in everything outside the group's teachings

claims that apocalypse, Armageddon, the Great Tribulation and "End of the Age" is just around the corner and members must stay in the group or go else through it 

practices shunning, denouncing, marking and disfellowshipping

teaches that leaving the group is equated to "eternal death in the Lake of Fire" and "losing one's chance for salvation."  

places a priesthood or other hierarchy between the believer and God. Members must go through the "proper channels"

has a shepherding, discipling or visitation program to "keep members in check" (practices spying)

teaches and circulates many sacred myths and stories concerning his "divine appointment" or "calling from God"

has "sacred roots," which means he perpetuates stories of how the group's beginnings can be traced back to the original, ancient "true" church or disciples.

is considered an "end-time prophet," "Elijah," "Apostle," "That Prophet," etc.  When the prophecies fail, members are blamed for not being "pure enough"

engages in living standards (usually without the members' knowledge) that far exceeds the living standards of the members

does not observe, or apply to himself, the rules that govern his membership (a double-standard exists)

By Kelly Marshall
Exit & Support Network™
July 2, 2001
Last updated October 18, 2005

Profile of a Sociopath (A number of mind-manipulating cult leaders may exhibit some of these traits)

Comparing the One True Churches (helps to see the similarities between HWA's "one true church" and other groups which claim the same thing.) [offsite link]

Articles For Those Who Were Emotionally and Spiritually Abused

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